WO2020049931A1

WO2020049931A1 - Vehicle illumination device and vehicle door

Info

Publication number: WO2020049931A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/030882
Authority: WO
Inventors: 健太糟谷; 創大野; 高橋　知也; 学三平
Original assignee: テイ・エステック株式会社
Priority date: 2018-09-05
Filing date: 2019-08-06
Publication date: 2020-03-12
Also published as: US11820284B2; CN112654532A; US20210354623A1

Abstract

This vehicle illumination device (21) includes a light source (24) and a long light-guide body (25) that has one end disposed adjacent to the light source (24), extends linearly from the one end along a direction in which light moves therethrough, and emits light from a linear light-emitting surface (32), wherein the light-guide body (25) has protrusions (34) formed therein that are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the rear side of the light-emitting surface (32) and that protrude in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which light moves through the light-guide body (25). The widths (W1-W12) of the protrusions (34) vary in accordance with the distance from the light source (24). Provided is a vehicle illumination device that can achieve light emission with uniform luminance along the longitudinal direction, while an increase in light-guide body productivity is also achieved.

Description

Vehicle lighting device and vehicle door

The present invention is directed to a vehicle lighting device including a light source and a long light guide that linearly extends in a light entering direction from one end disposed adjacent to the light source and irradiates light from a linear light emitting surface, and The present invention relates to a vehicle door using the same.

Patent Document 1 discloses a line illuminating device for a vehicle interior in which a light emitting surface is formed in a linear shape. The line illumination device includes a long light guide that introduces light from a light source from one end in a longitudinal direction and irradiates light from a linear light emitting surface. A number of cuts are formed in the light guide on the back surface of the light emitting surface in the longitudinal direction and extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which light enters. By gradually increasing the depth of the cut according to the distance from the light source, light emission with uniform luminance in the longitudinal direction is realized.

Patent Document 2 discloses a line lighting device for a vehicle interior that forms a light emitting surface in a linear shape. The line illumination device includes a long light guide that emits light from a linear light emitting surface. Light from a light source is introduced into the light guide from one end in the longitudinal direction. The light guide is attached to a long lens extending in the longitudinal direction along the light emitting surface. A groove is formed in the lens and extends in the longitudinal direction to receive the light guide.

Patent Document 3 discloses a door lining (vehicle interior part) that leaks light of a light guide into a compartment through a gap between a switch panel and an armrest. An accommodation groove for accommodating the light guide is formed in the armrest. The armrest includes a guide surface that guides the movement of the light guide toward the accommodation groove, and a rib that faces the guide surface in the accommodation groove and presses the light guide toward the guide surface based on elasticity. Have. Thus, the light guide can be fixed without rattling.

International Publication No. WO 2014/192797 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-70126 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-117398

成型 It is desirable to use molding technology to form the light guide. If the notch is formed on the back surface of the light emitting surface based on the shape of the mold at the time of molding the light guide, the cutting work of the cut is omitted, the productivity of the light guide is improved, and the production cost is reduced. However, it has been very difficult to accurately cut a projection having a height that changes in a mold in response to a change in the depth of cut.

In Patent Literature 2, since the light guide is fitted and held in the groove of the lens, when relative movement occurs in the surface direction between the light guide and the lens in response to vibration of the vehicle body or the like, the light guide or the lens is displaced. A rubbing sound such as “squeezed, squeezed” was sometimes generated based on the frictional vibration of. Such a rubbing sound was sometimes felt harsh to passengers in the passenger compartment.

される As disclosed in Patent Document 3, a rod-shaped light guide is formed with a concave groove that extends linearly in the light entering direction. A claw facing the guide surface in the receiving groove is engaged with the concave groove. The pawl allows movement of the light guide that passes through the space between the pawl and the guide surface and enters the housing groove, but prevents the light guide from separating from the housing groove in association with the concave groove. Thus, the light guide is held in the armless receiving groove. Since the light guide is required to form a concave groove, the shape of the light guide is restricted.

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting device capable of realizing light emission with uniform luminance in the longitudinal direction while improving productivity of a light guide.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting device capable of suppressing rubbing noise of a light guide and a lens.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an interior part for a vehicle that can fix the light guide satisfactorily while expanding the degree of freedom of the shape of the light guide.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a light source, a long light guide that linearly extends in a light entering direction from one end disposed adjacent to the light source, and emits light from a linear light emitting surface, In the vehicle lighting device, wherein the light guide is formed with the convex portion or the concave portion that is arranged in a longitudinal direction on a back surface of the light emitting surface and extends in a direction perpendicular to a light entering direction. The length of the convex portion or the concave portion in a direction perpendicular to the approach direction changes according to the distance from the light source.

According to the second aspect, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the length of the protrusion or the recess increases as the distance from the light source increases.

According to the third aspect, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the protrusions or recesses are arranged at a constant pitch in the longitudinal direction.

According to the fourth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect, the height of the convex portion or the depth of the concave portion is constant.

According to the fifth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the convex portion or the concave portion is formed in a triangular cross section having a ridge line in a direction orthogonal to a light entering direction.

According to the sixth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the convex portions or the concave portions are grouped in a longitudinal direction, and the length of the convex portions or the concave portions is constant in each group. Is set to

According to the seventh aspect, in addition to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the number of the convex portions or the concave portions is set to be constant for each group.

According to the eighth aspect, a vehicle door provided with any one of the first to seventh aspects is provided.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a light source, a long light guide that linearly extends in a light entering direction from one end disposed adjacent to the light source, and emits light from a linear light emitting surface, In a vehicle lighting device, comprising a long lens disposed in front of the light emitting surface and transmitting light emitted from the light emitting surface, at least one surface of the light guide and the lens has the other A contact body that forms a surface property that suppresses vibration of at least one of the light guide and the lens when relatively moving while contacting is provided.

According to the tenth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the ninth aspect, the contact body has irregularities on at least one of the light guide and the lens.

According to the eleventh aspect, in addition to the configuration of the ninth or tenth aspect, a groove is formed in the lens to extend in the longitudinal direction and accommodates the light guide, and the contact body is disposed on an inner surface of the groove. Is done.

According to the twelfth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, the contact body is disposed in the entire contact area between the light guide and the lens.

According to the thirteenth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, the contact body is partially arranged in a contact area between the light guide and the lens.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in addition to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, the contact body is located in a region where the lens guides light outward from the light emitting surface of the light guide by the lens. It is arranged in a region other than the incident surface facing the light guide.

According to the fifteenth aspect, in addition to the structure of the fourteenth aspect, the incident surface is a flat surface.

According to the sixteenth aspect, a vehicle door having any one of the ninth to fifteenth aspects is provided.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a reflecting surface that linearly extends from one end for receiving light in the light entering direction, refracts light propagating in the entering direction, and reflects toward the linear light emitting surface extending in the entering direction. A rod-shaped light guide having a support having a surface for guiding the movement of the light guide in a specific direction orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide; and a guide formed on the support and guided in the specific direction. A first restricting piece that restricts the movement of the light guide, and a first position where the light guide is pressed against the support and the first restricting piece, along the surface of the support. A second restricting piece elastically deformed with respect to the support at a second position forming an interval between the light guide and the support that allows passage of the light guide moving in the specific direction; and a second restricting piece. Higher rigidity and fixed relative to the support The vehicle interior component and a fixing member that restrains the second restriction piece to the first position is provided when that.

According to the eighteenth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the seventeenth aspect, one of the fixing member and the second regulating piece has a protruding piece that contacts the other.

According to the nineteenth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the eighteenth aspect, the second regulating piece has a protruding piece that contacts the fixing member.

According to the twentieth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the seventeenth to nineteenth aspects, the first restricting piece and the second restricting piece are arranged so as to be shifted in a line direction of the light guide.

According to the twenty-first aspect, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the seventeenth to twentieth aspects, the fixing member forms the gap for leaking light from the light guide between the support and the support. A wall member that covers the light body, the first restriction piece, and the second restriction piece, and contacts the second restriction piece on the inner surface.

According to the twenty-second aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the seventeenth to twenty-first aspects, the light guide is a virtual plane defined between the light emitting surface and the reflective surface in parallel with the reflective surface. And has a semi-cylindrical body that comes into contact with the support and the second regulating piece.

According to the twenty-third aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the seventeenth to twenty-second aspects, the fixing member and the second regulating piece are in contact with each other with a buffer material interposed therebetween.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect, a vehicle door having any one of the seventeenth to twenty-third aspects is provided.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, a reflecting surface that extends linearly from one end for receiving light in the light entering direction, refracts light propagating in the entering direction, and reflects toward the linear light emitting surface extending in the entering direction. A light guide having a rod-shaped light guide, a main body extending linearly in parallel with the light guide facing the reflection surface, and a fixing member for fixing the light guide to a vehicle interior member; The body is a semi-cylindrical body partitioned by an imaginary plane defined in parallel with the reflection surface between the light-emitting surface and the reflection surface, and two semi-cylindrical members that are orthogonal to the central axis of the semi-cylindrical body and are separated in the axial direction. A first curved surface that is continuous from one end of the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body to the reflecting surface in one cross section, and the semi-cylindrical body that is disposed between the two first cross sections and is orthogonal to the central axis in a second cross section And a second curved surface continuous from the other end of the curved surface toward the reflection surface. The fixing member extends from the main body while facing the first curved surface in the first cross section, and protrudes a first projection of a partial spherical surface that comes into contact with the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body; A first support having elasticity for moving the first projection away from the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body in response to movement of the first curved surface orthogonal to a plane, and a first support body facing the second curved surface in the second cross section; An elasticity that extends and protrudes a second projection of a partial spherical surface that comes into contact with the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body, and moves the second projection away from the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body in response to movement of the second curved surface orthogonal to the virtual plane. And a second support having:

According to the twenty-sixth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the twenty-fifth aspect, the fixing member protrudes from an inner surface of the first support, and has a partially spherical third protrusion that contacts the first curved surface; And a fourth projection having a partial spherical surface protruding from the inner surface of the body and contacting the second curved surface.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect, in addition to the configuration of the twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth aspect, a convex portion that protrudes outward from the reflective surface and extends in a direction perpendicular to the light entering direction is formed on the reflective surface. A detent is formed on at least one of the first support and the second support in contact with an end of the projection in a circumferential direction around the central axis.

According to the twenty-eighth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the twenty-fifth to twenty-seventh aspects, the second support is disposed at a position off the first support in the axial direction of the light guide. You.

According to the twenty-ninth aspect, the vehicle door includes the vehicle lighting device according to any one of the twenty-fifth to twenty-eighth aspects.

According to the first aspect, since the adjustment of the brightness of the light emitted from the light emitting surface is achieved based on the length of the convex portion or the concave portion, in the mold, the concave portion or the concave portion corresponds to the convex portion or the concave portion of the light guide. What is necessary is just to change the length of the convex part, and the die can be processed more easily than changing the height of the convex part, the depth of the concave part, and the pitch of the convex part and the concave part. Since the convex portions and the concave portions are established at the time of molding with the mold, the productivity of the light guide is improved. As a result, production costs are reduced.

According to the second aspect, when the length of the convex portion or the concave portion increases in the direction orthogonal to the light entering direction, the luminance of light emitted from the light emitting surface according to refraction and diffuse reflection increases. Therefore, it is possible to secure light emission of sufficient luminance on the light emitting surface with respect to light weakening away from the light source.

According to the third aspect, the brightness of the light emitted from the light emitting surface is affected by the pitch of the projections or the depressions. Changes can be simplified. Mold design can be simplified. The manufacturing cost of the mold can be reduced.

According to the fourth aspect, in the mold, a concave portion having a constant depth may be formed corresponding to the convex portion of the light guide, and a convex portion having a constant height is formed corresponding to the concave portion. The mold design can be simplified. The manufacturing cost of the mold can be reduced.

According to the fifth aspect, light can be diffused favorably.

According to the sixth aspect, the graininess of light emitted from the light emitting surface can be suppressed.

According to the seventh aspect, the graininess of light emitted from the light emitting surface can be suppressed.

According to the eighth aspect, the production cost of the vehicle door can be reduced.

According to the ninth aspect, even when the vehicle body vibrates and a relative movement occurs in the surface direction between the light guide and the lens, the friction between the light guide and the lens is based on the surface properties of at least one of the light guide and the lens. Since the vibration is suppressed, the rubbing noise of the light guide and the lens can be suppressed (or eliminated).

According to the tenth aspect, since only irregularities are formed on the surfaces of the light guide and the lens in suppressing the rubbing noise, it is not necessary to separately attach another member to suppress the frictional vibration.

According to the eleventh aspect, the light guide can be held by the lens by being fitted into the lens. The support of the light guide can be realized by the function of the elastic force of the lens. Thus, even if the light guide continues to contact the lens, the rubbing noise of the light guide and the lens is suppressed (or eliminated).

According to the twelfth aspect, since the contact body is disposed over the entire contact area between the light guide and the lens, the rubbing noise of the light guide and the lens is suppressed (or eliminated) over the entire contact area.

According to the thirteenth aspect, since the contact body is partially disposed in the contact area between the light guide and the lens, the frictional resistance can be appropriately adjusted in the contact area between the light guide and the lens.

According to the fourteenth aspect, light emitted from the light emitting surface can pass through the lens and leak out without being hindered by the contact body.

According to the fifteenth aspect, since the entrance surface of the lens is defined by a plane, light reflected on the irradiation surface that irradiates light outward from the lens can be reflected on the incidence surface and emitted from the irradiation surface. The light emitted from the illuminated surface can thus be enhanced.

According to the sixteenth aspect, the decorative effect of light is achieved by the vehicle door, and the generation of noise that is unpleasant to passengers in the vehicle compartment can be suppressed (or eliminated) even when the vehicle body vibrates.

According to the seventeenth aspect, when the second restricting piece is located at the second position according to the elastic deformation, an interval is secured between the second restricting piece and the support. The light guide moves along the surface of the support and can pass between the second regulating piece and the support. The movement of the light guide is restricted by the first restriction piece. Then, the second regulating piece returns to the first position by the action of the elasticity. The second restricting piece presses the light guide against the support and the first restricting piece. Thereafter, when the fixing member is fixed, the fixing member restrains the second restriction piece at the first position. Therefore, the second regulating piece keeps pressing the light guide against the support and the first regulating piece. The light guide can be prevented from falling off. Thus, the light guide can be fixed well on the support.

According to the eighteenth aspect, by adjusting the size (height) of the protruding piece, the pushing force transmitted to the second regulating piece can be adjusted. Thus, the light guide can be fixed well on the support.

According to the nineteenth aspect, by adjusting the size (height) of the protruding piece, the pushing force transmitted to the second regulating piece can be adjusted. Thus, the light guide can be fixed well on the support.

According to the twentieth aspect, elastic deformation of the light guide and the support can be used for the displacement of the second restriction piece. Therefore, the light guide can easily pass between the second regulating piece and the support.

According to the twenty-first aspect, the support and the wall member are combined to form the exterior of the vehicle interior part. The gap can provide indirect lighting that leaks light from the light guide. Since the wall member also serves as the fixing member in this manner, an increase in the number of components in restraining the second restriction piece can be avoided.

According to the twenty-second aspect, since the support and the second restricting piece come into contact with the semi-cylindrical body of the light guide, the light guide can be prevented from falling off from between the support and the second restrictive piece. The light guide can be well fixed on the support.

According to the twenty-third aspect, since the cushioning material is interposed between the fixing member and the second regulating piece, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise due to friction between the fixing member and the second regulating piece.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect, in the vehicle door, the light guide can be favorably fixed on the support.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect, the fixing member supports at least three points of the semi-cylindrical body of the light guide with the two first protrusions and the second protrusion disposed between the first protrusions in the axial direction. Can be. The light guide can be held by the fixing member in parallel with the main body by the function of the three-point support. When the light guide moves in a direction orthogonal to the virtual plane and passes through a space sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the first curved surface and the second curved surface of the light guide become the first support and the second curved surface. Spread out the support. At this time, since the side surface of the light guide contacts the partial spherical surfaces of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the side surface does not necessarily contact the fixing member over the entire length, and scratches generated on the outer surface of the light guide are suppressed. Light propagation can be well maintained in the light guide. Here, the two first supports may be interconnected and continuous.

According to the twenty-sixth aspect, the first projection and the third projection can restrict the movement of the light guide orthogonal to the virtual plane by contacting the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body and the first curved surface. Similarly, the second protrusion and the fourth protrusion can restrict the movement of the light guide orthogonal to the virtual plane by contacting the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body and the second curved surface. Thus, rattling of the light guide with respect to the fixing member can be prevented.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect, the detent restricts the rotation of the light guide around the central axis of the light guide. Therefore, the position of the light emitting surface of the light guide can be fixed relative to the fixing member around the central axis of the light guide. The direction of light with respect to the vehicle interior member can be set.

According to the twenty-eighth aspect, when the light guide moves in a direction orthogonal to the virtual plane and passes through the space between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the first curved surface and the second curved surface of the light guide are The first support and the second support are spread apart. At this time, the torsion of the main body can be used for the displacement of the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The elasticity required for the first support and the second support can be suppressed. The rigidity of the fixing member can be increased.

According to the twenty-ninth aspect, in the vehicle door, the fixing member forms at least a semi-cylindrical body of the light guide with the two first protrusions and the second protrusions disposed between the first protrusions in the axial direction. Three points can be supported. The light guide can be held by the fixing member in parallel with the main body by the function of the three-point support. When the light guide moves in a direction orthogonal to the virtual plane and passes through a space sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the first curved surface and the second curved surface of the light guide become the first support and the second curved surface. Spread out the support. At this time, since the side surface of the light guide contacts the partial spherical surfaces of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the side surface does not necessarily contact the fixing member over the entire length, and scratches generated on the outer surface of the light guide are suppressed. Light propagation can be well maintained in the light guide. Here, the two first supports may be interconnected and continuous.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle door according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the lighting device. FIG. 3 is an enlarged exploded view of the lighting device. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the light guide. FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a convex portion on the light guide. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the protrusion. FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of a mold used for molding the light guide. FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial plan view of the lower die. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a light guide according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view observed on a cut surface orthogonal to the axes of the lens and the light guide. FIG. 11 is a sectional view schematically showing the inner surface of the lens. FIG. 12 is a sectional view schematically showing an inner surface of a lens having a contact body according to a modification. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle door. FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing the structure of the lighting device according to the third embodiment. 15A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15A-15A of FIG. 14, FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15B-15B of FIG. 14, and FIG. It is sectional drawing along line 15C. FIG. 16 corresponds to FIG. 15B and is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cut surface of the lighting device when the upper door lining is removed. FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the light guide. FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the light guide. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 15B and illustrating a cut surface of a lighting device according to a modification. FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a lighting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of the light guide. FIG. 22A is a sectional view taken along line 22A-22A in FIG. 20, FIG. 22B is a sectional view taken along line 22B-22B in FIG. 20, and FIG. It is sectional drawing along line 22C. FIG. 23A is an enlarged front view of the fixing member, and FIG. 23B is an enlarged rear view of the fixing member. FIG. 24 corresponds to FIG. 22 and is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of the light guide entering the fixing member. FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of the illumination device corresponding to FIG. 20 and including a fixing member having a length shorter than half the length of the light guide in the axial direction. FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of the lighting device corresponding to FIG. 20 and including two fixing members for one light guide. FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective view of the lighting device corresponding to FIG. 20 and including a fixing member having two second supports alternately arranged on the first support in the axial direction.

11 Vehicle Door 21 Vehicle Lighting Device 24 Light Source 25 Light Guide 32 Light Emitting Surface 34 Convex 34a Ridge 48 (of Convex) Pitch P1 (for Convex or Concave) W12 width (of the convex portion or concave portion)

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of a vehicle door according to a first embodiment mounted on an automobile. The vehicle door 11 includes a door body 12 hinged to the skeleton of the vehicle so as to be openable and closable, and a door trim 13 attached to the inside of the door body 12. The door trim 13 is formed with a door armrest 14 for supporting an occupant's arm and a door pocket 15 below the door armrest 14 that is used to store small items. Above the door armrest 14, the door trim 13 incorporates a door inside handle 16 that is operated to open and close the vehicle door 11. A switch 18 that is operated to open and close the window glass 17 and a lighting system 19 that illuminates the door inside handle 16 and the switch 18 in a dark environment and exerts a decorative effect on the vehicle door 11 are embedded in the door armrest 14.

The illumination system 19 includes illumination devices 21 that are embedded in the left and right door armrests 14 and illuminate the edges of the door armrests 14 when turned on. The lighting device 21 is connected to a control unit (ECU) 22 of the vehicle via LIN communication. The control unit 22 controls turning on and off of the lighting device 21. According to the LIN communication, the lighting device 21 can be connected to the control unit 22 in series or in parallel by one wire harness 23.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting device 21 includes a light source 24, a long light guide 25 linearly extending in a light entering direction from one end disposed adjacent to the light source 24, and a light guide 25. A long lens 26 that covers and covers the light emitted from the light guide 25. The light source 24 emits light from the light emitter in the line direction of the light guide 25 in response to the supply of power. The light source 24 is connected to one end of the light guide 25. The light guide 25 guides the light emitted from the light source 24 linearly in a linear direction (longitudinal direction). Light leaks from the outer peripheral surface of the light guide 25. The light guide 25 is molded from a transparent resin material such as methacrylic resin.

The lens 26 extends in the longitudinal direction to form a groove 27 that accommodates the light guide 25, and the lens 26 protrudes outward from the main body 28 in a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the deepest portion of the groove 27, and is parallel to the light guide 25 And a long protruding piece 31 having an irradiation surface 29 formed of a flat surface extending in the direction. The projecting piece 31 is inserted between the door trims 13 so that the irradiation surface 29 faces the passenger compartment. The lens 26 guides the light leaking from the outer peripheral surface of the light guide 25 to the irradiation surface 29 and emits the light from the irradiation surface 29 toward the vehicle interior. The lens 26 is molded from a transparent resin material such as methacrylic resin.

(3) As shown in FIG. 3, the light guide 25 emits light from a linear light emitting surface 32 formed of a cylindrical surface having a linear central axis. The lens 26 is arranged in front of the light emitting surface 32. Light emitted from the light emitting surface 32 passes through the lens 26 and is emitted from the irradiation surface 29.

平面 As shown in FIG. 4, a flat surface 33 arranged parallel to the irradiation surface 29 of the lens 26 is defined on the back surface of the light emitting surface 32. The plane 33 draws a chord in a cross section orthogonal to the central axis. The width (length of the chord) of the plane 33 is kept constant in the line direction. On the flat surface 33, there are formed projections 34 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the light guide 25 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of entry of light. The protrusions 34 are arranged at a constant pitch P over the entire area in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the convex portion 34 is formed in a triangular cross section having a ridge line 34a in a direction orthogonal to the light entering direction (the linear direction of the light guide 25). The ridge may be chamfered and curved. The height Ht of the projections 34 is constant at all the projections 34.

The length of the convex portion 34 in the direction orthogonal to the light entering direction (linear direction) increases as the distance from the light source 24 increases. Here, the convex portions 34 are grouped in the longitudinal direction, and as shown in FIG. 6, the lengths (widths) W1, W2,... Of the convex portions 34 are set to be constant for each of the groups G1 to G12. The number of protrusions 34 is set to be constant for each of the groups G1 to G12. Each of the convex portions 34 is formed symmetrically with respect to the symmetry plane LR including the central axis of the light guide 25.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. When the light source 24 emits light, the light travels in the light guide 25 in the linear direction (longitudinal direction) of the light guide 25. The light is irregularly reflected by the convex portion 34 on the rear surface of the light emitting surface 32 and refracted in a direction perpendicular to the line direction. The refracted light is emitted forward from the light emitting surface 32. The irradiated light passes through the lens 26 and is emitted from the irradiation surface 29 into the vehicle interior. Thus, the edge of the door armrest 14 is illuminated linearly.

At this time, the adjustment of the brightness of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 32 is achieved based on the width of the projection 34. That is, when the width of the convex portion 34 increases in the direction orthogonal to the light entering direction, the luminance of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 32 according to refraction and diffuse reflection increases. Therefore, as will be described later, in the mold, the width of the concave portion may be changed corresponding to the convex portion 34 of the light guide 25, and the height of the convex portion 34 and the pitch P of the convex portion 34 are changed by the mold. The mold can be processed more easily than it is. Since the convex portion 34 is established at the time of molding by the mold, the productivity of the light guide 25 is improved. As a result, the production cost of the lighting device 21 is reduced. As a result, the production cost of the vehicle door is reduced. In the present embodiment, the width of the projection 34 increases as the distance from the light source 24 increases. Although the brightness of the light decreases in accordance with the distance from the light source 24, the width of the convex portion 34 increases in accordance with the distance from the light source 24, and the amount of refraction of the light increases. Light emission of sufficient luminance is secured on the light emitting surface 32 with respect to the light weakening away from the light source 24. A constant brightness is achieved in the line direction. Here, the convex portions 34 are grouped in the longitudinal direction, and the width of the convex portions 34 is set to be constant for each of the groups G1 to G12. As a result, the graininess of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 32 is suppressed. Moreover, since the number of the protrusions 34 is set to be constant for each of the groups G1 to G12, the graininess of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 32 is further suppressed.

照明 In the lighting device 21 according to the present embodiment, the protrusions 34 are arranged at a constant pitch P in the longitudinal direction. Since the brightness of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 32 is affected by the pitch P of the projections 34, when the pitch P of the projections 34 is set to be constant, the change in the width of the projections 34 is simplified. The design of the mold is simplified. The manufacturing cost of the mold is reduced.

高 The height of the projection 34 is constant. In the mold, a concave portion having a constant depth may be formed corresponding to the convex portion 34 of the light guide 25, and the design of the mold is simplified. The manufacturing cost of the mold is reduced.

The convex portion 34 is formed in a triangular cross section having a ridge line 34a in a direction perpendicular to the light entering direction. Light can diffuse well.

Here, a method for manufacturing the light guide 25 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, a mold 41 is prepared. The mold 41 includes an upper mold 41a and a lower mold 41b which are joined to each other at a plane joining surface 42. When the upper mold 41a is overlaid on the lower mold 41b, a cavity 43 is defined between the upper mold 41a and the lower mold 41b. The cavity 43 corresponds to a space formed by the shape of the light guide 25. The coupling surface 42 is located at the maximum diameter of the cylindrical surface.

平面 A flat surface 44 is formed on the lower mold 41 b in a position farthest from the coupling surface 42 and parallel to the coupling surface 42, corresponding to the plane 33 of the light guide 25. In the plane 44, depressions 45 are arranged in a linear direction corresponding to the individual protrusions 34. Each depression 45 extends in a direction perpendicular to the line direction. The depressions 45 are arranged at a constant pitch P over the entire area in the linear direction. The depression 45 is formed in a triangular cross section having a ridge line extending in a direction perpendicular to the line direction. The depth of the depression 45 is constant in all the depressions 45. The depressions 45 are grouped in the line direction, and the widths W1 to W12 of the depressions 45 are set to be constant for each of the groups G1 to G12. The number of the depressions 45 is set to be constant for each of the groups G1 to G12. Each depression 45 is formed symmetrically with respect to a symmetry plane LR including the central axis of the cylindrical surface.

The eject pin 46 faces the cavity 43 between the depressions 45. A gate 47 is formed in the cavity 43 at a central position in the longitudinal direction. The molten resin is supplied from the gate 47 to the cavity 43. When the resin filled in the cavity 43 is solidified, a molded body is formed. The molded body is released from the lower mold 41b by the action of the eject pin 46. The resin body of the gate 47 is scraped from the molded body.

FIG. 9 schematically shows a light guide 25 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the light guide 25, a concave portion 48 is formed in the plane 33 instead of the convex portion 34 described above. The concave portion 48 extends in a direction perpendicular to the light entering direction, similarly to the convex portion 34. The recesses 48 are arranged at a constant pitch P over the entire area in the longitudinal direction. The concave portion 48 is formed in a triangular cross section having a ridge line in a direction orthogonal to the light entering direction (the linear direction of the light guide 25). The ridge may be chamfered and curved. The depth of the recess 48 is constant in all the recesses 48.

幅 The width of the recess 48 increases as the distance from the light source 24 increases. Here, the concave portions 48 are grouped in the longitudinal direction, and the widths W1, W2,... Of the concave portions 48 are set to be constant for each of the groups G1 to G12. The number of the concave portions 48 is set constant for each of the groups G1 to G12. Each concave portion 48 is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to a symmetry plane LR including the central axis of the light guide 25.

FIG. 10 schematically shows a lens 26 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. On the surface of the lens 26, a contact body 51 that forms a surface property that suppresses vibration of at least one of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 when relatively moving while contacting the light guide 25 is arranged. The contact body 51 is an uneven surface processed on the lens 26. In forming the irregularities, the lens 26 is subjected to, for example, graining.

The contact body 51 is arranged on the inner surface of the groove 27. The contact body 51 is located in a region where the lens 26 guides light outward from the light emitting surface 32 of the light guide 25 and is located in a region other than the incident surface 52 facing the light guide 25. The contact body 51 is disposed outside a space sandwiched between the plane 33 of the light guide 25 and the irradiation surface 29. The entrance surface 52 of the lens 26 is a flat surface. As shown in FIG. 11, the contact body 51 is disposed over the entire contact area between the light guide 25 and the lens 26. Here, the contact body 51 may be continuous over at least the entire length of the contact area in the longitudinal direction of the light guide 25.

幅 The width of the projection 34 increases as the distance from the light source increases. Although the brightness of the light decreases according to the distance from the light source 24, the width of the convex portion 34 increases and the amount of refraction of the light increases according to the distance from the light source 24. Light emission of sufficient luminance is secured on the light emitting surface 32 with respect to the light weakening away from the light source 24. A constant brightness is achieved in the line direction.

In the present embodiment, at least one of the surfaces of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 (here, the surface of the lens 26) has at least one of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 when relatively moved while being in contact with the other. A contact body 51 for forming a surface property for suppressing vibration is arranged. Even if the vehicle body vibrates and a relative movement occurs in the plane direction between the light guide 25 and the lens 26, the frictional vibration of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 based on the surface properties of at least one of the light guide 25 and the lens 26. Is suppressed, so that the rubbing sound of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 is suppressed (or eliminated). The decorative effect of light is achieved by the vehicle door 11, and the generation of noise that is unpleasant to passengers in the vehicle compartment is suppressed (or eliminated) even when the vehicle body vibrates.

The contact body 51 is an uneven surface processed on at least one of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 (here, the lens 26). Therefore, in order to suppress the rubbing noise, only irregularities are formed on the surfaces of the light guide 25 and the lens 26, so that it is not necessary to separately attach another member to suppress the frictional vibration. If irregularities are formed by graining at the time of molding the lens 26, an increase in the number of working steps in assembling the lighting device 21 can be avoided. Increased production costs can be avoided.

The contact body 51 is formed on the inner surface of the groove 27 formed in the lens 26 and accommodating the light guide 25. The light guide 25 is fitted into the lens 26 and held by the lens 26. The light guide 25 is supported by the function of the elastic force of the lens 26. Thus, even if the light guide 25 continues to contact the lens 26, the rubbing noise of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 is suppressed (or eliminated).

The contact body 51 is arranged in the entire contact area between the light guide 25 and the lens 26. Since the contact body 51 is arranged over the entire contact area between the light guide 25 and the lens 26, the rubbing noise of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 is suppressed (or eliminated) over the entire contact area.

The contact body 51 is located in a region where the lens 26 guides light outward from the light emitting surface 32 of the light guide 25 and is located in a region other than the incident surface 52 facing the light guide 25. Light emitted from the light emitting surface 32 passes through the lens 26 and is leaked outside without being hindered by the contact body 51.

In the present embodiment, the entrance surface 52 of the lens 26 is a flat surface. Since the incident surface 52 of the lens 26 is defined by a plane, the light reflected by the irradiation surface 29 that irradiates light outward from the lens 26 is reflected by the incident surface 52 and emitted from the irradiation surface 29. Thus, the light emitted from the irradiation surface 29 is strengthened.

The contact body 51 may be partially arranged in the contact area between the light guide 25 and the lens 26, as shown in FIG. The contact body 51 may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the light guide 25 so as to be interrupted over the entire length of the contact area.

FIG. 13 schematically shows the structure of a vehicle door mounted on an automobile. The vehicle door 111 includes a door body 112 that is hinged to a vehicle skeleton so as to be openable and closable, and a door trim (interior component) 113 that is attached to the inside of the door body 112. The door trim 113 is formed with a door armrest 114 that supports an occupant's arm and a door pocket 115 below the door armrest 114 that is used to store small items. A switch 117 operated to open and close the window glass 116 is embedded in the door armrest 114.

The door trim 113 is lined with the door main body 112 to define an opening 118 a above the door armrest 114, and the decorative cover 119 is disposed in the opening 118 a of the door lining 118 and is fixed to the door main body 112. And A door inside handle 121 that is operated to open and close the vehicle door 111 is incorporated in the decorative cover 119.

(4) In the door trim 113, a lighting system 122 that illuminates the door inside handle 121 and the switch 117 in a dark environment and that exerts a decorative effect of the vehicle door 111 is embedded. The lighting system 122 includes a lighting device 123 that illuminates the decorative cover 119 linearly along the lower edge of the upper door lining 118b. The lighting device 123 forms light leaking from a gap defined between the lower edge of the upper door lining 118b and the decorative cover 119. The lighting device 123 is connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) 124 of the vehicle via LIN communication. The electronic control unit 124 controls turning on and off of the lighting device 123. According to the LIN communication, the lighting device 123 can be connected in series or in parallel with one wire harness 125 when connecting to the electronic control unit 124.

As shown in FIG. 14, the illumination device 123 according to the third embodiment includes a rod-shaped light guide 126 and a light source 127 connected to one end of the light guide 126. The light guide 126 linearly extends from one end connected to the light source 127 in the light entering direction 128. The light source 127 emits light in a line direction of the light guide 126 from the light emitting body in response to the supply of power. The light guide 126 emits light from a linear light emitting surface 129 formed of a cylindrical surface having a linear central axis.

The light guide 126 is supported by the decorative cover 119. The decorative cover 119 is exposed to the compartment while surrounding the door inside handle 121, and has an inner panel 119a having an upper end extending in a horizontal direction along a lower edge of the upper door lining 118b, and a continuous guide from the upper end of the inner panel 119a. A support 119b extending linearly in parallel with the light body 126; The support body 119b has a horizontal wall 131 that curves from the upper end of the inner panel 119a and expands toward the door main body 112, and a vertical wall 132 that rises upward from the inner end of the horizontal wall 131 facing the door main body 112. The surface of the horizontal wall 131 guides the movement of the light guide 126 in a specific direction orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 126 from the upper end of the inner panel 119a toward the vertical wall 132.

第 On the vertical wall 132, the first restriction pieces 133 and the second restriction pieces 134 are alternately arranged in the line direction of the light guide 126. The first restriction piece 133 and the second restriction piece 134 are arranged so as to be shifted in the line direction of the light guide 126. Here, the second restriction piece 134 is located at an intermediate position between the first restriction pieces 133. However, the first restriction piece 133 may be arranged at an intermediate position between the second restriction pieces 134. The first regulating piece 133 projects from the inner surface of the vertical wall 132 and moves the light guide 126 guided toward the vertical wall 132 along the surface of the horizontal wall 131 as shown in FIG. Is provided.

As shown in FIG. 15B, the second restriction piece 134 is continuous from the upper end of the vertical wall 132, is connected to the plate piece 134a facing the horizontal wall 131, is continuous from the open end of the plate piece 134a, and is horizontal. And an engagement piece 134b extending toward the wall 131. The engagement piece 134b is relatively displaced with respect to the support 119b based on the elastic deformation of the plate piece 134a.

突 A projection 136 is formed on the second restricting piece 134 to be in contact with the inner surface of the upper door lining 118b. The upper door lining 118b has a higher rigidity than the second restriction piece 134 and includes a wall member that contacts the second restriction piece 134 on the inner surface. The upper door lining 118b restrains the engagement piece 134b of the second restriction piece 134 at the first position where the light guide 126 is pressed against the horizontal wall 131 and the first restriction piece 133 of the support 119b.

ブラケット A bracket 137 extending upward from the vertical wall 132 is formed on the second regulating piece 134. The bracket 137 is overlaid on the inner surface of the door main body 112 and fixed to the door main body 112 with screws 138.

As shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C, the upper door lining 118b forms a light guide 126 while forming a gap 139 for leaking light of the light guide 126 between the support 119b. , The first regulating piece 133 and the second regulating piece 134. As shown in FIG. 15C, at a position deviated from the first restriction piece 133 and the second restriction piece 134 in the line direction of the light guide 126, the light guide 126 is received by the horizontal wall 131, but is not guided. A space SP1 is provided between the light body 126 and the vertical wall 132, and a space is provided between the light guide 126 and the upper door lining 118b.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the second restriction piece 134 is released from the constraint of the upper door lining 118b, the second restriction piece 134 is displaced to the second position farther from the support 119b than the first position. Can be. An interval is formed between the engaging piece 134b at the second position and the support body 119b to allow passage of the light guide 126 moving toward the vertical wall 132 along the surface of the horizontal wall 131. The light guide 126 can move back and forth along the surface of the support 119b according to the elastic deformation of the second restriction piece 134.

光 As shown in FIG. 17, the light guide 126 has a reflecting surface 141 that refracts and reflects light toward a linear light emitting surface 129 extending in the light entering direction 128. A flat surface 142 is defined on the reflection surface 141. The plane 142 draws a chord in a cross section orthogonal to the central axis. The width (chord length) of the plane 142 is kept constant in the line direction. The light guide 126 is molded from a transparent resin material such as methacrylic resin.

凸 On the plane 142, there are formed projections 143 arranged in the line direction of the light guide 126 and extending in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which light enters. The protrusions 143 are arranged at a constant pitch P over the entire area in the linear direction. The convex portion 143 is formed in a triangular cross section having a ridge line 143a in a direction orthogonal to a light entering direction (a linear direction of the light guide 126). The ridgeline 143a may be chamfered and may be a curved surface.

では Within the first range RN <b> 1 from the light source 127, the length of the projection 143 increases as the distance from the light source 127 increases. The length of the convex portion 143 corresponds to the width of the convex portion 143 measured in a direction orthogonal to the light entering direction (linear direction). Here, the convex portions 143 are grouped in the line direction of the light guide 27, and the lengths (widths) W1, W2,... Of the convex portions 143 are set to be constant for each of the groups G1 to G9. The number of protrusions 143 is set to be constant for each of the groups G1 to G9. Each convex portion 143 is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to a symmetry plane LR including the central axis of the light guide 126. Within the first range RN1, the height of the projections 143 is constant at all the projections 143.

では The length Wc of the projection 143 is constant in the second range RN2 beyond the first range RN1 from the light source 127. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, the height Hs of the protrusion 143 increases as the distance from the light source 127 increases. Here, the convex portions 143 are grouped in the line direction of the light guide 126, and the height Hs of the convex portions 143 is set to be constant for each of the groups G10 to G12. The number of protrusions 143 is set to be constant for each of the groups G10 to G12. Each convex portion 143 is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to a symmetry plane LR including the central axis of the light guide 126. The cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 143 appears on the symmetry plane LR in a similar shape.

As shown in FIG. 15B, the light guide 126 is partitioned between the light emitting surface 129 and the reflecting surface 141 by a virtual plane VP defined in parallel with the plane 142 of the reflecting surface 141, and the support 119b The semi-cylindrical body 145 that contacts the horizontal wall 131 and the engaging piece 134b of the second regulating piece 134. That is, the distance SC between the engaging piece 134b located at the second position and the horizontal wall 131 is set smaller than the diameter of the semi-cylindrical body 145. The light guide 126 spreads continuously from one end of the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 145 toward the reflection surface 141, and contacts the engaging piece 134 b of the second regulating piece 134 when displacing along the surface of the horizontal wall 131. A curved surface 146 is formed. The curved surface 146 is curved with the same curvature as the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 145. The curved surface 146 generates a driving force for moving the engagement piece 134b away from the horizontal wall 131 when the light guide 126 is pushed between the engagement piece 134b and the horizontal wall 131 along the surface of the horizontal wall 131.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. When the light source 127 emits light, the light travels in the light guide 126 in the linear direction (longitudinal direction) of the light guide 126. The light is irregularly reflected by the convex portion 143 on the back surface of the light emitting surface 129 and refracted in a direction perpendicular to the line direction. The refracted light is emitted outward from the light emitting surface 129. The emitted light leaks from the gap 139 between the upper door lining 118b and the decorative cover. In this way, the door trim 113 can be decorated based on linear light emission.

Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle door 111 will be described. The decorative cover 119 is attached to the door body 112. The decorative cover 119 is fixed to the door main body 112 with screws 138. The lighting device 123 is attached to the decorative cover 119. The light guide 126 may be attached to the decorative cover 119 before attaching the decorative cover 119.

(4) In mounting the lighting device 123, the light guide 126 is guided along the surface of the support 119b. The light guide 126 is pushed along the surface of the horizontal wall 131 toward the vertical wall 132. The light guide 126 contacts the engaging piece 134b of the second regulating piece 134 with a curved surface 146 that continues from the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 145 toward the reflecting surface 141. Therefore, the pushing force of the light guide 126 is converted into a driving force for moving the engaging piece 134 b away from the horizontal wall 131.

The engagement piece 134b of the second restriction piece 134 is displaced to the second position based on the elastic deformation of the plate piece 134a. An interval is secured between the second restriction piece 134 and the support 119b. The light guide 126 moves along the surface of the support 119b in a direction perpendicular to the central axis. The light guide 126 passes between the upper door lining 118b and the support 119b.

The light guide 126 is abutted against the rib 135 of the first regulating piece 133. Therefore, the movement of the light guide 126 is restricted. The engagement piece 134b returns to the first position based on the elasticity of the plate piece 134a. The engagement piece 134b of the second restriction piece 134 presses the light guide 126 against the support 119b and the first restriction piece 133. Thus, the light guide 126 is attached to the decorative cover 119.

Next, the door lining 118 is fixed to the door main body 112. The upper door lining 118b contacts the protrusion 136 of the second restriction piece 134. As a result, the engagement piece 134b of the second restriction piece 134 is restrained at the first position. Since the door lining 118 has high rigidity, the light guide 126 can be favorably held between the second regulating piece 134 and the horizontal wall 131 and the first regulating piece 133. The light guide 126 is prevented from falling off. Thus, the light guide 126 can be satisfactorily fixed on the decorative cover 119.

では In the present embodiment, the second restricting piece 134 is formed with a protruding piece 136 that comes into contact with the upper door lining 118b. Therefore, by adjusting the size (height) of the projecting piece 136, the pushing force transmitted to the second regulating piece 134 is adjusted. Thus, the light guide 126 is satisfactorily fixed on the support 119b of the decorative cover 119.

では In the door trim 113 according to the present embodiment, the first restricting piece 133 and the second restricting piece 134 are displaced in the line direction of the light guide 126. The elastic deformation of the light guide 126 and the support 119b can be used for the displacement of the second restriction piece 134. Accordingly, the light guide 126 can easily pass between the second regulating piece 134 and the support 119b.

The upper door lining 118b according to the present embodiment covers the light guide 126, the first restriction piece 133, and the second restriction piece 134 while forming a gap 139 for allowing the light from the light guide 126 to leak from the support 119b. A wall member that covers and contacts the second regulating piece 134 on the inner surface is provided. The decorative cover 119 and the upper door lining 118b combine to form the exterior of the door trim 113. The gap 139 implements indirect illumination that leaks light from the light guide 126. Since the upper door lining 118b also serves as a fixing member of the lighting device 123, an increase in the number of parts in restraining the second restriction piece 134 is avoided.

The light guide 126 according to the present embodiment is partitioned by a virtual plane defined in parallel with the reflecting surface 141 between the light emitting surface 129 and the reflecting surface 141, and is in contact with the support 119 b and the second regulating piece 134. It has a cylindrical body. Since the support 119b and the second restriction piece 134 contact the semi-cylindrical body of the light guide 126, the light guide 126 is prevented from falling off from between the support 119b and the second restriction piece 134. The light guide 126 can be satisfactorily fixed on the support 119b.

緩衝 As shown in FIG. 19, a cushioning material 147 may be interposed between the upper door lining 118b and the projection 136 of the second restriction piece 134. The upper door lining 118b and the protrusion 136 are in contact with each other with the cushioning material 147 interposed therebetween. When the cushioning material 147 is thus sandwiched, generation of abnormal noise due to friction between the upper door lining 118b and the second restriction piece 134 can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 20, the lighting device 151 according to the fourth embodiment includes a rod-shaped light guide 152, a light source 153 connected to one end of the light guide 152, and a light guide 152 linearly parallel to the light guide 152. A fixing member 154 having a main body 154a extending and fixing the light guide 152 to the door trim 113 is provided. The light source 153 emits light in a line direction of the light guide 152 from the light emitting body in response to the supply of power. The main body 154a of the fixing member 154 is formed of a plate that is long in the line direction of the light guide 152.

The light guide 152 linearly extends from one end where it is connected to the light source 153 in the light entering direction 155. The light guide 152 has a reflecting surface 157 that refracts and reflects light toward a linear light emitting surface 156 that extends in the light entering direction 155. The main body 154 a of the fixing member 154 faces the reflection surface 157 of the light guide 152. The light guide 152 is molded from a transparent resin material such as methacrylic resin.

光 As shown in FIG. 21, the light guide 152 receives light from the light source 153 at one end surface 152a. The light guide 152 linearly extends in the light entry direction 155 orthogonal to the end surface 152a. The light propagates through the light guide 152 toward the other end in the entering direction 155.

In the light guide 152, the semi-cylindrical body 159 is partitioned between the light emitting surface 156 and the reflecting surface 157 by an imaginary plane 158 defined in parallel with the reflecting surface 157. The curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159 is connected to one ridge line of the reflecting surface 157 at a first curved surface 161 that is continuous from one intersection line 159a with the virtual plane 158, and is continuous from the other intersection line 159b with the virtual plane 158. The second curved surface 162 is connected to the other ridge line of the reflection surface 157. The first curved surface 161 and the second curved surface 162 have the same curvature as the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159.

A plurality of projections 163 projecting outward from the plane of the reflecting surface 157 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the light entering direction 155 are formed on the reflecting surface 157. The convex portions 163 are arranged in the axial direction (linear direction) of the light guide 152. The protrusions 163 may be arranged at a constant pitch P over the entire area in the axial direction. The plane of the reflection surface 157 draws a chord in a cross section orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 152. The width of the plane (chord length) is kept constant in the line direction.

The convex portion 163 may be formed in a triangular cross section having a ridge line 163a in a direction orthogonal to the light entering direction 155 (axial direction of the light guide 152). The ridge line 163a may be chamfered and may be a curved surface. When the height is set to be constant in all the convex portions 163, the length of the convex portions 163 in the direction orthogonal to the light entering direction 155 may be increased as the distance from the light source 153 increases. The protrusion 163 may be formed in the same manner as the protrusion 143 described above.

As shown in FIG. 20, the fixing member 154 is spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the light guide 152, and extends from the main body 154a while facing the first curved surface 161; One second support 154c extending from the main body 154a while facing the second curved surface 162 at a position facing the space formed between the supports 154b. Here, the second support 154c is disposed at a position off the first support 154b in the axial direction of the light guide 152. The main body 154a, the first support 154b, and the second support 154c may be integrally molded from, for example, a resin material.

As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22C, the fixing member 154 has a curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159 at two first cross sections SF orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 152 and separated in the axial direction. Has two first protrusions 164 that come into contact with. In the first cross section SF, the first curved surface 161 is continuous from the first end (one end) (intersecting line 159 a) of the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159 to the reflecting surface 157. Here, as shown in FIG. 23A, the first protrusion 164 projects from the inner surface of each first support 154b. The first protrusion 164 has a partial spherical surface (for example, a crown) and contacts the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159. As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22C, a detent 165 is formed on the first support 154b so as to contact the end of the convex portion 163 in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the semi-cylindrical body 159. Is done.

The fixing member 154 contacts the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159 at a second cross section SS which is disposed between the two first cross sections SF and is orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 152 as shown in FIG. The second projection 166 is provided. In the second cross section SS, the second curved surface 162 is continuous from the second end (the other end to the above-mentioned one end) of the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159 (intersecting line 159 b) toward the reflecting surface 157. Here, as shown in FIG. 23B, the second protrusion 166 projects from the inner surface of the second support 154c. The second protrusion 166 has a partial spherical surface (for example, a crown) and contacts the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159. As shown in FIG. 22B, a detent 167 is formed on the second support 154c so as to contact the end of the convex part 163 in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the semi-cylindrical body 159.

As shown in FIG. 22, the fixing members 154 correspond to the individual first protrusions 164, the third protrusions 168 in contact with the first curved surface 161 at one section SF, and the second protrusions 166. And a fourth protrusion 169 that contacts the second curved surface 162 at the second cross section SS. The third protrusion 168 projects from the inner surface of the first support 154b, as shown in FIG. The third protrusion 168 has a partial spherical surface (for example, a crown) and contacts the first curved surface 161. The centers of the first protrusion 164 and the third protrusion 168 are positioned on a virtual plane PLf orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 152. The fourth protrusion 169 projects from the inner surface of the second support 154c, as shown in FIG. The fourth protrusion 169 contacts the second curved surface 162 with a partial spherical surface (for example, a spherical crown). The centers of the second protrusion 166 and the fourth protrusion 169 are positioned on a virtual plane PLs orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 152.

発光 As shown in FIG. 22, the light emitting surface 156 of the light guide 152 faces the irradiation body 171 of the decorative cover 119. The upper door lining 118b covers the illumination device 151 above the irradiation body 171. A gap 173 opened toward the compartment of the vehicle is defined between the upper door lining 118b and the irradiation body 171. An occupant in the driver's seat or the passenger's seat can glimpse the surface of the irradiation body 171 from the gap 173.

取り付け As shown in FIG. 20, mounting pieces 174 are integrally formed on the main body 154a at positions corresponding to the two first supports 154b in the axial direction. The mounting piece 174 has an overlapping surface 174a. The attachment piece 174 is overlapped on the attachment surface 175 on the side of the decorative cover 119 on the overlapping surface 174a. A mounting hole 176 having an axis perpendicular to the overlapping surface 174a is formed in the mounting piece 174. For example, a mounting boss 175 a protruding from the mounting surface 175 of the decorative cover 119 can be inserted into the mounting hole 176. The fixing member 154 is fixed to the decorative cover 119 by screws 177 screwed into the mounting boss 175a.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. When the light source 153 emits light, the light travels in the light guide 152 in the linear direction (longitudinal direction) of the light guide 152. The light is irregularly reflected by the convex portion 163 on the back surface of the light emitting surface 156 and refracted in a direction perpendicular to the line direction. The refracted light is emitted outward from the light emitting surface 156. The emitted light is illuminated on the irradiation body 171 as shown in FIG. In this way, the door trim 113 can be decorated based on linear light emission.

In the present embodiment, the fixing member 154 has at least three semi-cylindrical bodies 159 of the light guide 152 formed by the two first protrusions 164 and the second protrusions 166 arranged between the first protrusions 164 in the axial direction. Point support. The light guide 152 is held by the fixing member 154 in parallel with the main body 154a by the function of three-point support. The first protrusion 164 and the third protrusion 168 can restrict the movement of the light guide 152 orthogonal to the virtual plane 158 by contacting the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159 and the first curved surface 161. Similarly, the second protrusion 166 and the fourth protrusion 169 can restrict the movement of the light guide 152 orthogonal to the virtual plane 158 by contacting the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159 and the second curved surface 162. . Thus, rattling of the light guide 152 with respect to the fixing member 154 can be prevented.

回り The detent 165 of the first support 154b restricts the rotation of the light guide 152 in the first direction around the central axis Xc of the semi-cylindrical body 159. The detent 167 of the second support 154c restricts the rotation of the light guide 152 in a second direction opposite to the first direction about the center axis Xc of the semi-cylindrical body 159. Therefore, the position of the light emitting surface 156 of the light guide 152 is fixed with respect to the fixing member 154 around the central axis Xc of the semi-cylindrical body 159. The direction of light with respect to the irradiation body 171 of the decorative cover 119 can be set well.

にあたって When assembling the illumination device 151, the light guide 152 is attached to the fixing member 154. As shown in FIG. 24, the first curved surface 161 and the second curved surface 162 of the light guide 152 contact the first protrusion 164 on the first support 154b and the second protrusion 166 on the second support 154c, respectively. . The light guide 152 is pushed toward the main body 154a in a direction orthogonal to the virtual plane 158. When the light guide 152 passes through the space sandwiched between the first protrusion 164 and the second protrusion 166, the first curved surface 161 and the second curved surface 162 of the light guide 152 become the first support 154b and the second support 154c. Push out.

At this time, since the side surface of the light guide 152 contacts the partial spherical surfaces of the first protrusion 35 and the second protrusion 36, the light guide 152 does not necessarily contact the fixing member 154 over the entire length, but a scratch generated on the outer surface of the light guide 152. Is suppressed. Light propagation in the light guide 152 can be well maintained. Since the first support 154b and the second support 154c are located at positions offset from each other in the axial direction, when the first support 154b and the second support 154c are expanded, the first protrusion 164 and the second The torsion of the main body 154a of the fixing member 154 is used for the displacement of the projection 166. As a result, the elasticity required for the first support 154b and the second support 154c can be suppressed. The rigidity of the fixing member 154 can be increased.

When the light guide 152 passes through the space between the first protrusion 164 and the second protrusion 166, the first protrusion 164 and the second protrusion 166 come into contact with the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159 of the light guide 152. The light guide 152 is pushed toward the main body 154a by the restoring force of the first support 154b and the second support 154c. The third protrusion 168 and the fourth protrusion 169 contact the first curved surface 161 and the second curved surface 162 of the light guide 152, respectively. The detents 165 and 67 engage with one end of the projection 163.

As shown in FIG. 20, the fixing member 154 may include a main body 154a having a length corresponding to the entire length of the light guide 152 in the axial direction of the light guide 152. As shown in FIG. A main body 154 a having a length shorter than half the length of the light guide 152 in the direction may be provided. As shown in FIG. 26, two or more fixing members 154 may be arranged in the axial direction with respect to one light guide 152. As shown in FIG. 27, the fixing member 154 may include two or more second supports 154c alternately arranged with the first supports 154b. Each of the first support 154b and the second support 154c may be configured similarly to the first support 154b and the second support 154c described above. In addition, in each fixing member 154, the two first support members 154b may be connected to each other and be continuous. The first support 154b and the second support 154c may face each other with the light guide 152 interposed therebetween.

Claims

A light source (24), and a long light guide (25) extending linearly in the light entering direction from one end disposed adjacent to the light source (24) and emitting light from a linear light emitting surface (32). ), And the light guide (25) is provided with a convex portion (34) or a concave portion (48) that is arranged in the longitudinal direction on the back surface of the light emitting surface (32) and extends in a direction perpendicular to the light entering direction. ) Is formed in the vehicle lighting device (21),
The length of the convex portion (34) or the concave portion (48) in a direction perpendicular to the light entering direction changes according to the distance from the light source.
2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the length (W1 to W12) of the protrusion (34) or the recess (48) increases as the distance from the light source (24) increases. Lighting equipment.
The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the projections (34) or the recesses (48) are arranged at a constant pitch (P) in a longitudinal direction.
The vehicle lighting device according to claim 3, wherein a height (Ht) of the convex portion (34) or a depth of the concave portion (48) is constant.
The vehicle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the convex portion (34) or the concave portion (48) has a triangular cross section having a ridge line (34a) in a direction orthogonal to a light entering direction. A lighting device for a vehicle, wherein the lighting device is formed on a vehicle.
The vehicle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protrusions (34) or the recesses (48) are grouped in a longitudinal direction, and the protrusions (G1 to G12) are grouped. 34) The vehicle lighting device, wherein the length (W1 to W12) of the concave portion (48) is set to be constant.
7. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 6, wherein the number of the protrusions (34) or the recesses (48) is set to be constant for each group (G1 to G12). .
A vehicle door comprising the vehicle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.